It’s Hamish over Hardie for Hodge
DUNCAN HODGE has shown he’s not afraid to make big calls by giving Hamish Watson the nod over John Hardie for today’s crunch Challenge Cup clash with Harlequins.
Edinburgh’s acting head coach has made 12 changes to the starting XV who defeated Timisoara Saracens 59-17 in the Pool Five opener in Romania last weekend, with WP Nel making his return from injury.
But his most eye-catching selection sees Watson take the No 7 jersey from the more experienced Hardie for a Murrayfield encounter which will see the winner take control of the group following Quins’ 43-21 victory over Stade Francais.
Most observers expected Scotland star Hardie to keep his place in the team and go toe-to-toe with a back row including England regular Chris Robshaw, up-and-coming England Saxons cap James Chisholm and Luke Wallace.
But Hodge has put his faith in Watson after he was rested last week, while Hardie is not even on the bench — with the back-row cover being provided by Viliame Mata.
‘I think Hamish has definitely come on a lot in terms of his linking play and his distribution in the last six months or so,’ said Hodge.
‘It has been great for Hamish to learn from John and to watch how he plays the game.
‘They seem to work well together in training, which is a big bonus.
‘Both Hamish and John have been playing very well and John put in a lot of work last week in Romania, making a lot of tackles in what was a physical game.
‘However, Hamish gets his shot this week and now there is very little between them in terms of quality.
‘Both are great players who give it everything and playing 80 minutes takes it out of them.
‘It’s not just as simple as saying one plays one match and the other plays the next, you have to look at combinations and things as well. Hamish gets the start this time.’
For Watson, it is the perfect late birthday present.
The man who turned 25 last week knows a good showing against top English opponents will see him edge closer to the Scotland squad again when head coach Vern Cotter names his party for the autumn Tests on Tuesday.
In the front row, meanwhile, Nel has not played since the end of last month against Connacht and his return is timely given he will be up against England cap Joe Marler at scrum time.
Hodge said: ‘WP has played exceptionally well for us and it’s great he’s back in a strong front row alongside Rory Sutherland and Ross Ford.
‘You look at the Harlequins team with the number of top-class players in it, and it will be a great test.
‘It’s one we’re looking forward to,while Nel against Marler will be a good battle.’
Also coming back into Edinburgh’s starting pack are Grant Gilchrist and Magnus Bradbury.
They join Ben Toolis, who is playing his 50th game for the club in the second row, and No8 Nasi Manu up front.
In the backline, only Jason Tovey survives from last weekend’s win in Romania and he is joined by Sean Kennedy, fit-again Phil Burleigh, Chris Dean, Tom Brown, Damien Hoyland and Blair Kinghorn.
‘We’ve watched a lot of Harlequins and there will be a lot of pressure and a lot of emphasis on defence,’ added Hodge (below). ‘They like to play with a bit of width, so our defence will have to match up to that.
‘We’ve been trying to make a few changes in defence in the last couple of weeks and this will test us.’
Meanwhile, Argentina tight-head prop Felipe Arregui could make his debut for Edinburgh from the bench after signing on a short-term deal until January.
‘At only 22, he has an impressive CV for a prop and we’re excited to see what he can offer,’ said Hodge. ‘He’s shown a real enthusiasm and energy in training, which we’re sure he’ll transfer to the park.’
Having already played for his country at Under-19 and 20 level, Arregui made his debut for the Pumas as a replacement in their 26-24 victory over South Africa in August. He said: ‘I’m very excited and happy to be joining Edinburgh Rugby and I come with the intention of giving my all for the team. ‘I really like the way the squad and coaches work to improve each day with a view to growing the team and the club as a whole.’
“Hamish gets the nod this week but there’s very little between them now”